The early days A convict colony was established at Moreton Bay in 1824 and postal communications were a military affair. However, in 1833, 9 years before its opening to free European settlement, a Mr. Allman was appointed assistant postmaster. In 1842, Gilbert White became the first non-military postmaster. Brisbane's first post office utilised the convict … Continue reading Getting the mail in Kurilpa
Time period
The Tragic Tale of Mary Anne Williams
While researching the early days of European settlement in South Brisbane, I came across numerous newspaper references to Mary Anne Williams. She was often in trouble with the police and became quite well known in the small community. Her story seemed poignant, and I decided to find out what I could about Mary. But first let's have a look at the South Brisbane she lived in.
The Granvilles come to Brisbane
After a bigamous marriage in 1842, my great-great-grandparents William Henry and Anne Amelia Granville spent the next 22 years working as school teachers in 8 different locations around Britain. They were then recruited as teachers by Anglican Bishop Tufnell, and in 1864 with most of their children migrated to Brisbane. Here their lives took some unexpected twists and turns.
Brisbane – Horse and Carriage
The first horses appeared in what would later become Brisbane with the establishment of the Moreton Bay convict settlement in 1824. The number of horses grew rapidly along with the population after the Queensland Government sponsored immigration of the 1860s, passing 3,000 by 1870 and 13,000 by 1890. In this post I look at how horses were an integral part of life in Brisbane.
Grange House South Brisbane
Grange House has stood prominently on a ridge in South Brisbane overlooking the city for over 140 years. It's had many interesting occupants over that time, many of whom have made significant contributions to Queensland.
Making a Splash 2 – South Brisbane’s Early Swimming Baths
With a sad history of regular destruction of Brisbane's floating baths by floods, advances in pumping technology allowed Brisbane's swimming pools to move from the river. This post looks at these early pools on the southside.
Making a Splash – Brisbane’s Floating Swimming Baths
Brisbane's sticky climate and a lack of reticulated water made the prospect of swimming baths very attractive. Brisbane had a total of twelve floating baths on the river almost all were by floods.
All That Glitters – Brisbane Gold Rushes
On three occasions, inner Southside Brisbane experienced the thrill of a gold discovery but no one got rich.
George and Amelia Croft’s South Brisbane Amphitheatre
In 1846, George and Amelia Croft travelled to Moreton Bay and performed tight rope acts at both Ipswich and Brisbane. With a tiny European population, the venture put them into financial problems, This post looks at their topsy turvy lives.
The Dutton Park Garden Theatre
Dutton Park on Gladstone Road was briefly leading Australia in popularising moving pictures with crowds of up to 7,000 attending a screening in 1909. It then returned to being a rubbish dump.
Highgate Hill and Its History 